UK must step up on shipping emissions amid ongoing IMO uncertainty

Negotiations on the Net Zero Framework at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) continue to be delayed. Major oil nations like the US, UAE and Saudi Arabia have delayed negotiations, the next months will determine whether the IMO can secure a sufficiently ambitious framework. The UK government now has a clear choice: lead from the front or stand aside while fossil fuel interests continue to attack progress on cutting emissions from shipping.

‘’The recent Strait of Hormuz crisis has shown how shipping, as a global industry heavily dependent on fossil fuels, is particularly vulnerable to geopolitical crises. Between 1 March and 20 March, global shipping racked up an estimated £3.99 billion in additional fuel costs , hitting £295 million daily at its peak. The current crisis shows the urgent need to move away from fossil fuels not just for emissions reduction but for energy security and resilience. Without strong regulation this will not happen’ Ariana Makinson, T&E UK Sustainable Shipping Senior Officer said.

While UK ministers hesitate, the EU already has binding rules and targeted investment to scale clean shipping technologies and cut emissions from the sector. The risk is clear: the UK slips into the role of green tech laggard, as Europe captures the green shipping opportunity along with the jobs, investment, and energy security it brings.

‘’This is not optional. The Government will include international shipping in the Sixth Carbon Budget, regardless of what future direction the IMO takes, it is increasing the risk of missing emissions targets, undermining net zero credibility, and handing polluters a free pass’’ Ariana Makinson added.

The government must immediately deliver a bold domestic package by:

• Extending the UK ETS to international shipping from 2027: Currently shipping pays no fuel tax and there is no charge on the UK’s share of international emissions. Inclusion in the ETS would generate revenue to turbocharge decarbonisation and wean the sector off volatile fossil fuels.

• Introdining fuel standards: Introduce GHG intensity limits and a green fuel mandate to drive battery power, wind propulsion, and clean alternatives

• Mandating the use of onshore power : Require ships to ‘plug in’ at ports so ships run on UK renewables, slashing emissions and pollution in coastal communities.
  

The Government’s own Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy states that “should multilateral action through the IMO be delayed or prove insufficient, the UK will develop bespoke domestic measures to address our share of these international emissions, in line with our legal commitment to net zero.”

Now is the time to take that action.